Back to blog

Post No68...The Power of Handmade Fidget Toys in Dementia Care

Posted on 25th March 2025 at 07:00
 
Introduction 
 
At The Care Whisperer we believe in bringing our readers educational, relevant content about a range of different care related topics. This post is a collaboration between us and The Kefi Studio, who are working with care homes to match volunteers and befrienders to residents to create workshops that are both fun and interactive. 
 
I have always felt that both employed activity teams within care homes and volunteers play such an important role in the provision of stimulus to care home residents, bringing people together for social interactions so they can build new bonds of friendship. I am also a big believer in the use of sensory equipment for those living with dementia to help reduce anxiety and symptoms of sundowning. From us here, and those at The Kefi Studio, we hope you find the post useful. 
 
The Power of Handmade Fidget Toys in Dementia Care - Written by Iram Vazir, Co-founder @ The Kefi Studio 
 
When it comes to dementia care, sometimes the smallest things can make the biggest difference. Handmade fidget toys might seem simple, but they’re incredibly powerful tools for soothing anxiety, encouraging focus, and sparking moments of joy. These little creations aren’t just toys—they’re lifelines for residents looking for comfort or a way to engage their restless hands. Let’s dive into why fidget toys are such game-changers in dementia care and how something as humble as yarn or fabric can create moments of magic. 
 
Benefits of Fidget Toys for People Living with Dementia 
 
Fidget toys address many challenges faced by those living with dementia. Their repetitive motions, soft textures, and sensory engagement help reduce anxiety and restlessness, providing a calming effect. For example, an infinity loop toy allows patients to focus on simple pulling motions, which can soothe agitation and bring a sense of control. 
 
These toys also stimulate the senses, activating neural pathways that support cognitive function. By engaging the hands and fingers, fidget toys encourage tactile exploration, improve focus, and even evoke pleasant memories. In addition, they help combat boredom, offering people something to do with their hands that keeps them engaged and distracted from negative emotions. 
 
Why Handmade Makes a Difference 
 
Handmade fidget toys are particularly impactful because of the care and intention behind them. The process of crocheting, knitting, or sewing creates items that feel personal and unique, offering recipients a sense of being seen and valued. Unlike mass-produced products, handmade items have small imperfections and individual touches that carry warmth and authenticity. 
 
The textures and vibrant colours of handmade crafts can be especially soothing for people with dementia, sparking curiosity and emotional connections. These pieces also create a bridge for interaction, as caregivers and family members can use them to start conversations or share quiet moments of engagement. A handmade gift becomes more than just an object—it’s a symbol of care, humanity, and connection. 
 
Ideas for Handmade Fidget Toys 
 
If you’re looking to create fidget toys for dementia patients, here are some ideas to inspire you: 
 
• Crochet Fidget Toys: Infinity loops, worry worms, or sensory balls with textured yarns. 
 
• Knitted Sensory Items: Small squares with different stitches for texture or soft mittens with beads and ribbons attached. 
 
• Sewn Fidget Quilts: Lap-sized quilts featuring zippers, buttons, and pockets to explore. 
 
• Fabric Twiddle Muffs: Cylindrical muffs with sewn-in sensory features like Velcro, small stuffed animals, or ribbons. 
 
• Patchwork Toys: Stuffed shapes filled with rice, beans, or soft stuffing for squeezing and fiddling. 
 
These items can be tailored to the needs of the recipient, ensuring they are safe, comfortable, and engaging. 
 
In this article, you can find must have resources to purchase handmade fidget toys under £10. 
 
Bringing Fidget Toys into Daily Life 
 
Fidget toys can be seamlessly integrated into care routines. Place them nearby during quiet times or provide them when restlessness arises. They can also be wonderful additions to group activities, giving individuals a calming focus while still being part of the social environment. 
 
If you’re a caregiver, family member, or craft enthusiast, consider creating or donating handmade fidget toys for people living with dementia. Simple items like crochet worry worms, knitted sensory mittens, or sewn fidget quilts can bring comfort and connection to individuals who need it most. Your creativity and care can brighten someone’s day, ease their anxiety, and remind them they are loved. 
 
Conclusion 
 
Handmade sensory tools have the power to revolutionize dementia care. They go beyond functionality, offering warmth, humanity, and a personal touch that mass-produced items lack. By incorporating handmade crafts into care routines, we can create a world where every person feels seen, valued, and supported. These small but meaningful creations embody the compassion and dedication that define truly exceptional care. 
 
Find out more about The Kefir Studio here
Lap Blanket
£115.00

Say farewell to Sundowning!

Hand sewn in Europe, our high quality lap blankets are a fantastically versatile product, they are weighted to provide the calming therapy of the other blankets but can be used 'on the go' during the day as well as at the night time.

These products can be of great help to those living with dementia who are experiencing Sundowning. They can be used to calm the person either in a chair, sofa, bed or wheelchair.

Because the lap blankets mainly cover peoples waist, legs and feet, they can potentially be used by those living with vascular conditions for shorter periods, but we would still recommend speaking with your doctor if you are unsure.

Size:
Weight:
Colour:
Quantity:

This weighted lap blanket is filled with high-quality glass microbeads closed in small pockets, which evenly distributes the weight across the body.

The weight provides a pleasant and nurturing sense of well-being, with the evenly distributed pressure helping you to peacefully calm your mind in moments of anxiety (including Sundowning), to sit quietly and relax on the couch, chair, bed or wheelchair.

Thanks to the pleasant pressure the body calms down more quickly, importantly, their use does not lead to side effects like those associated with pharmacological treatments.

The deep pressure created by the therapeutic weight of our lap blankets relaxes joints, muscles and tendons. This effect is also known as “Deep Pressure Stimulation” because of its gentle but potent and even pressure that is applied to the body. This helps you relax both physically and mentally. In addition, it causes the release of the serotonin hormone, and at the same time lowers the level of cortisol (the stress hormone).

Breathable fabric

The blanket is made of 100% cotton

Weight Layer

The filling contains high-quality fine-grained glass beads in small chambers that give the blanket the necessary weight.

The gentle movement of the beads within the chambers allows the blanket to better conform to the user.

Sustainability

The weighted lap blanket is made exclusively in Europe, the cotton used is certified and comes from sustainable plantations. The tiny glass balls inside the blankets are manufactured in Europe in a perfectly safe environment.

Getting the correct weight is important because it ensures the benefits of the blanket are provided but also comfort and safety as well, particularly in children or older adults.

Which weight is best for me?

It is suggested that users of weighted blankets chose a weight that is 10% of their body weight. For older or more frail people, you can consider reducing the weight by perhaps 1kg or 2kg. For example, if 10% of your body weight = 6kg, you might want to consider a 5kg or 4kg blanket. Please see more info in the table below.

Weight Blanket Weight Reduced Weight for Frailties
30-49kg 4kg 3kg
50-69kg 6gk 4-5kg
70-89kg 8kg 6-7kg
90-109kg 10kg 8-9kg
110+kg 12kg 10-11kg

The recommended weight of the blanket is about 10% of the user’s body weight. However, if you experience discomfort during the initial phase of using the blanket, follow these guidelines to help adjust to the weight:

Days 1-3 - 15 minutes per day
Days 4-10 - 1 hour per day
Days 11-20 - 2 hours per day
Day 21 and beyond - as often as required

The effects of using a weighted blanket depend on the individual characteristics of your body, so the differences may be felt at varying rates. In some cases, the first positive effects may be noticeable within a few days, but this time frame can extend to several weeks.

It is important to note that certain health conditions may prevent older people using weighted blankets. If you have a health condition such as one of those listed below, please consult with your doctor before trialling a weighted lap blanket:

  • Asthma
  • Vascular dementia
  • Osteoporosis (bone fragility)
  • Cardiovascular conditions (e.g., individuals with a pacemaker)
  • Respiratory system disorders
  • Hypertension
  • Obstructive sleep apnea

It is worth noting that unlike traditional weighted blankets that you sleep under, the lap blankets can potentially be used by those with certain respiratory conditions. This is because they cover your lower body and not your chest, however it is always advisable to consult your with your doctor if you are unsure.

All of our weighted blankets and pillows are hand sewn to order before being shipped for delivery to our customers. We aim to fulfil all of our orders within 10 business days.

We will provide you with a tracking number, and will always be available to speak with you should you experience any delays or issues with our service.

If you need to return one of our blankets, please contact us within 14 days of delivery to initiate a full refund. Kindly note we can only refund blankets that are not damaged in any way.

This product is covered by a one-year manufacturers warranty. If the product is faulty please return it to us for either repair or replacement, depending on the issue or defect.

The blanket can be easily washed in the washing machine. We recommend that you wash the blanket at a temperature of 30°C on a low spin cycle.

The blanket should not be tumble dried. After washing, hang up or spread out and leave until dry.

Do not iron the blanket.

Tagged as: Carers, Collaboration, Dementia Care, Dementia Care Homes
Share this post:

Leave a comment: